Madison — Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp on Tuesday defended Gov. Scott Walker's plan to turn the Natural Resources Board into an advisory panel, instead of one that makes policy, even as she acknowledged she had not been consulted on the proposal in advance.

"I feel that it's extra layers," Stepp said of the board in a briefing to the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee. "I think it's duplicative."

The idea has sparked opposition from Democrats as well as some of Walker's fellow Republicans. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) said he had "some concerns" about the plan.(58)

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp., then so is chief executive Michael Koss, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

In a suit filed last week, the bank argues that if a jury finds Park Bank liable for the loss, then Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, the firm's former auditor, should have to pay some of the award.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," Park Bank wrote in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss in this case those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(3)

Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo will interview for Browns HC position

Green Bay - Ben McAdoo, the Packers' quarterbacks coach the past two seasons, will interview for the Cleveland Browns head coaching position on Wednesday, according to an NFL source familiar with the Browns' search.

McAdoo, who was among coach Mike McCarthy's original assistant coach hires, first coached tight ends before being promoted to quarterbacks coach. McAdoo filled the spot Tom Clements held before he was promoted to offensive coordinator.

McAdoo is being promoted as an Andy Reid clone. Reid started out as a tight ends coach under Mike Holmgren and later moved to coaching quarterbacks. He never served as an offensive coordinator before being hired as head coach in Philadelphia.

Among the candidates McAdoo is believed to be competing with is Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. However, Gase isn't expected to interview until the Broncos' season is over.

Even if McAdoo doesn't get the Browns job, there's a strong chance he'll be hired as an offensive coordinator somewhere else. McAdoo's contract situation is such that the Packers can't block him from interviewing for other jobs.

If McAdoo leaves, McCarthy wouldn't necessarily be caught short at the position. Running backs coach Alex Van Pelt played quarterback in the NFL and would be a logical candidate to replace McAdoo.

Receivers coach Edgar Bennett and tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot have both coached running backs with the Packers and would be options, meaning McCarthy would have the option of hiring someone new for any of the three positions.

About Tom Silverstein

Tom Silverstein is in his 25th year covering the Green Bay Packers and 30th year with the Journal Sentinel. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year award winner.